I consider Keir Starmer a friend and I'm thinking of him on what must be a very tough day.

Serving in public life is a tremendous privilege but politics can also be a harsh business. 

When the time comes for Keir to leave Downing Street, he can be proud of the contribution he has made to the country he loves and to the Labour Party that he led back to Government in 2024.

I'm grateful for the opportunities we had to work together to strengthen our AUKUS defence and security partnership, support the brave people of Ukraine and keep children safe from the damage that social media can do.  

I wish Keir, Victoria and their children well with everything the future holds.